Coffee is delicious and is the best part of the day for every caffeinated human. But have you ever wondered why some coffee beans taste better than others? This can be connected to the quality of the coffee bean, but it's connected to the plantation and how it's taken care of. In this Hacienda Iluminada, we will discuss how altitude and soil can affect coffee flavor. Sit back, relax, and let's learn about coffee together!

Coffee At The Farm!

Coffee is a delicate plant. If it's not taken care of correctly, there is a chance that it will not grow. The soil is an important element that determines whether a coffee plant will grow successfully. There are different types of soil, such as volcanic, sandy, and loamy. Each soil has different nutrients and pH levels that affect the growth and flavor of coffee. For example, at Hacienda Iluminada, we have volcanic soil due to the region. This type of soil and pH level allow us to grow amazing specialty coffee beans, giving them a balanced, sweet flavor. However, the pH level also affects the growth and taste of our plants. For specialty coffee to grow successfully, it's important to have a good pH level to achieve fruity and floral notes. This is why, at Hacienda Iluminada, our coffee beans have a natural sweetness with citrus notes. Conversely, having soils with different pH levels may result in different flavor characteristics, not as balanced or sweet.

If it’s GOOD for earth, it is GOOD FOR YOU!

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The impact of altitude

Isn't interesting how the altitude of where coffee is planted affects its growth and the flavor of the coffee beans? It's just amazing! Specialty coffee needs to be grown above 1,800 feet. At Hacienda Iluminada, our coffee is grown 3,000 feet above sea level, which makes it specialty coffee. The reason behind this is that high altitudes have a fresher climate which allows the coffee plants to grow slowly and develop their beans with more time. Coffee grown at high altitudes has a more fruity flavor, while coffee that grows at lower altitudes has a more robust flavor. Robusta coffee beans can grow at lower altitudes because they can handle different temperatures, unlike arabica coffee beans. The climate is very important; cool temperatures make the coffee beans sweeter, while hot temperatures make them less sweet and more bitter. Both types of coffee beans are amazing, and it all depends on each person's preference in coffee.

In conclusion…

Coffee is amazing and it’s impacted by different elements that make it special and full of different flavors. Now you understand that even the soil and altitude can affect the flavors of coffee due to the pH of the soil and the climate in higher altitudes. It doesn’t matter which coffee you prefer, both types are amazing; it all depends on your taste

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